Supporting local government to ‘grow your own’ Urban and Regional Planners

Vanessa Leigh, Program Manager – Murray River Regional Study Hub, Rural City of Murray Bridge

The Murray River Study Hub, in partnership with Uni Hub Spencer Gulf (MRSH/USG) have identified an opportunity to address the workforce shortages in qualified urban and regional planners in South Australia through a Council led, ‘grow your own’ initiative.

Currently, there is no undergraduate Urban and Regional Planning course available through a South Australian University, to support the qualification of Urban and Regional Planners. Through targeted promotion of the sector needs, providing study options that align with individual skills and experience and utilising an existing, supported learning environment for students in South Australia, MRSH/USG believe Councils can play a lead role in building their planning workforce across the State.

Hear more about this exciting initiative from Vanessa Leigh, Rural City of Murray Bridge who will share more on the program, including developments based on State Government consultation.

Contribute to and support the progression of this important initiative, which will support the South Australian Local Government sector to fill a major skills shortage gap.

Austerity and Innovation

John Baker, CEO, Mornington Peninsula Shire, VIC

Previously Partner, Head of Local Public Services and Human Services UK and Australia for Ernst and Young

John is an experienced leader with an extensive career background of working in complex political environments including local government, aged care, disability and Children’s Services. Drawing on his experience as lead partner for Local Government during the GFC in the UK, and as a CEO in Victorian Local Government, John will reflect on the introduction of the UK government austerity programme, rate capping and impacts on service delivery, stimulating thinking as to how we, as a sector, can identify a route out of financial challenges through innovation.

Closing Remarks

Please join your CEO Network peers and interstate guest John Baker as we head to a nearby venue for informal Networking Drinks - an opportunity to further expand on discussions of the forum and foster relationships with peers.